Welcome to the website of the Greater Lowell, Massachusetts Family YMCA Basketball League! We offer instructional basketball programs for children of all ages. In the past 4 years, our basketball program has grown almost 400%! To help continue the expansion of our program, we have developed this website as a means of reaching out to our players, parents, and the entire community. So take a few minutes to browse through the site, and find out how we help build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

News & Announcements

...And They Just Keep Coming Back!

November 19, 2007

By Fred Braun, Director

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome back all of the returning families as well as all of our new families to YMCA basketball. I am really excited about our 2007-2008 school year! This year we have our returning referees Rex and David, as well as UMASS college students Ike and Bisi to help fill in when needed.

Aside from having referees that are committed to helping children excel at the sport of basketball, I have also been very fortunate enough to have a HUGE return rate for coaches! Almost all of our coaches from the spring season have retuned to coach again in the fall! I think that says something about the commitment and passion that our volunteer coaches have for this program!

With experienced staff, referees and coaches I am looking very forward to working with everyone in the 2007-2008 school year. At the Greater Lowell Family YMCA we are constantly striving to serve as many families as possible! Every year we try and get as many children as we can involved with youth sports here at the YMCA. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or if you wish to join our excellent staff of volunteer coaches please feel free to contact me at 978-454-7825 or by email.

What is Basketball?

January 13, 2007

By Fred Braun, Youth Director
Basketball is a very popular sport all around the world, particularly in the United States. There are ten to twelve players on each basketball team and maximum five of the players are on the court at the same time.
The object of the game is to score the most points by throwing the basketball through the hoop, also called a basket, scoring two points for each basket shot from the field. Boys and girls of all ages and levels play the sport. Some levels where basketball is played may include YMCAs, schools, colleges, professional and other groups.
Basketball is a ball game between two teams of five players, played on both indoor and outdoor courts. Players move the ball by passing it or by dribbling it (bouncing it on the floor) while running.
In the US the standard court is 94-ft long and 54-ft wide, with a backboard at the center of each end of the court, with a metal hoop 10-ft from the floor attached to each backboard.

Welcome Back..

December 7, 2006

By Fred Braun, Youth Director

I would like to thank everyone for signing up for our fall 2 mini season. This is the first time we have ever tried a mini season and I hope that your family enjoys it. On behalf of the Greater Lowell Family YMCA I would like to welcome you all to our basketball program. For those of you that have been a part of YMCA basketball before in the past (I know there are a great deal of you out there), you all know and understand that our program is all about the kids! Here is how we are improving for the 2006-2007 school year:
- Youth basketball is now ages 9-10 (I didn’t think it was fair for younger 7 year olds to be playing with older 10 year old children).
- The addition of Pee Wee Basketball for ages 7-8.
- The addition of a fall mini season (4 seasons total).
- New and improved gym floors (please refrain from food and beverages in the gym).
Repainted gym walls.
- Along with Rex (the best referee in Lowell), we now have added Lowell High School Varsity player, David Brown to our referee squad. Please say hello to him and welcome him to our family.

I hope that you and your family enjoy our program, and come back for more. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 978-454-7825 or on email at ymcafb@yahoo.com. Don’t forget to check out our awesome website www.ymcabasketball.com.

Junior Division MVPs

Spring 2009

Nysia Ruiz

Mavericks

Kareem Davis, Jr.

Jazz

Tinotenda Utah

Heat

Matthew Trani

Magic

Matt Souza

Pistons

Overview of Greater Lowell Family YMCA Youth Basketball

Our YMCA's Youth Basketball program is designed to introduce the game of basketball in a fun, nonthreatening atmosphere. Our goal is for every program participant to be successful. The emphasis of our program is placed more on enjoying the sport of basketball, rather than a struggle for first place. It's always a tie at the Y!!

The Volunteers (attending High School):

The Volunteers are an invitation-only, character-based travel team for high school age kids. Games are scheduled sporadically throughout the week, and practices are held consistently twice each week. Players are required to sign a behavior contract with stipulations for both on- and off- court behavior. Instead of parents making a substantial financial commitment, players are asked to perform community service at the YMCA. The Volunteers roster is currently full, but spaces are filled as they become available based upon coaches. and directors. recommendations.

Junior Division (Ages 11-14):

This coed basketball program is designed to prepare youth ages 11-14 for basketball in a Middle or High School division. Games are held on Saturdays, as well as one practice a week at a time to be announced. Game shirts and awards will be provided to all program participants.

Youth Division (Ages 9-10):

Our youth basketball program is for boys and girls ages 7-10. Games are held on Saturdays, as well as one practice a week at a time to be announced. Each child will be placed on a team. Game shirts and awards will be provided to all program participants. Offered every fall, winter, and spring.

Pee-Wee Basketball (Ages 7-8):

Pee Wee Basketball is the next step up from Bitty Basketball. Pee Wee basketball meets once a week on Saturday mornings at 10:30am and consists of 20 minutes of drills and 40 minute games. Teams will be made on the first day of the session and each player receives a jersey and an award.

Bitty Basketball (Ages 4-6):

Come join the fun on Saturday mornings at the YMCA. This basketball beginner program is designed for boys and girls 4-6 years old. Emphasis will be placed on dribbling, shooting, passing, teamwork, and having fun!

Itty-Bitty Basketball (Ages 3-4):

We're starting them young! The Greater Lowell Family YMCA is the only place in the community that offers basketball for 3 year olds! This brand new parent/tot class is designed for children ages 3 and 4 years old to run around the gym and learn the basics of basketball at a young age.